Cheap Eats to Celebrate Chinese New Year in London
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate Chinese New Year in London, or you’re just looking for somewhere tasty to eat whilst you’re in the city, check out our guide to the best Cheap Chinese Restaurants in London … from the traditional to the trendy, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
1. The Duck and Rice
Why go? For comforting and classic Chinese dishes combined with the best elements of a great British pub. How much? ££ – £££
The Duck and Rice menu is designed around comfort and sharing. The dishes you’ll find on the menu wouldn’t be out of place on the tables of family homes across China and other parts of Asia. Diners at the duck and rice will be pleased to find a lively and welcoming atmosphere and authentic, aromatic smells wafting through the air. There are some expensive items on the menu but if you stick to the lower bracket, you shouldn’t come off too badly.
We recommend the gorgeously sticky cashew chicken and the perfectly tender beef and broccoli. And don’t forget to try the prawn toast which is packed so full of juicy prawns that it’s twice the height of a normal serving. The vegetarian options are also great here with dishes like sweet and sour mock duck and black pepper mock chicken both hitting the spot.
The Duck and Rice combines the best elements of a British pub with authentic Chinese cuisine which, in our books, makes it a cracking place to spend Chinese New Year in London 2019.
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The Duck and Rice, 90 Berwick St Soho W1F 0QB
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2. Ping Pong Dim Sum
Why go? For its buzzy atmosphere and ever reliable dumplings. How much? ££
Ping Pong Dim Sum has got restaurants all over the city, so you’ll be able to get your dumpling fix wherever you might be during Chinese New Year in London. With modern interiors, a lively atmosphere and plenty of space for big groups you’ll always guarantee a good time at Ping Pong Dim Sum.
‘Dim Sum’ is a Cantonese term which means a light weekend meal (although you can, of course, eat Dim Sum any day of the week) and includes popular bites like dumplings, steamed buns and rice rolls.
The restaurant has a special menu running for Chinese New Year Celebrations in London. We love the sound of the chorizo fire cracker spring roll and the giant soup dumpling. If you’re planning to join in on the Chinatown celebrations, then we recommend a visit to the Soho branch of Ping Pong Dim Sum.
Ping Pong Dim Sum Soho 45, Great Marlborough St Soho, London W1F 7JL
3. Etles Uyghur Restaurant
Why go? Because we just can’t get enough of those bold spices, hearty noodles, and perfectly grilled skewers. How much? ££
If you’re up for stepping off the beaten path of Chinatown’s traditional Chinese eateries and exploring something truly unique, make your way to Walthamstow to find Etles, a hidden gem showcasing the rich tapestry of Uyghur Muslim cuisine.
The vibe here is welcoming, with an atmosphere that feels just as authentic as the food. The menu is an ode to the Xinjiang region of Northwest China – a crossroads of cultures where bold spices and hearty dishes take centre stage. Think thick, chewy belt noodles, lamb skewers with a hit of cumin, and steaming dumplings drenched in chilli oil.
The standout? The ‘big plate chicken’. It’s a glorious mountain of chicken pieces, potatoes, and peppers, all coated in a deeply aromatic mix of cinnamon, star anise, and other fragrant spices. It’s rich, warming, and utterly satisfying – perfect for sharing if you’re feeling generous.
Oh, and dessert lovers, don’t miss their homemade baklava – flaky, sweet, and the perfect way to end your meal.
Etles is a must-visit. It’s one of London’s original Xinjiang restaurants and, in our humble opinion, still one of the best.
Etles Uyghur Restaurant, 235 Hoe St, London, E17 9PP
Good to know: We’ve done our best to recommend spots that aren’t going to blow your budget, but do bear in mind that prices can get high for speciality dishes in Chinese restaurants. So, order wisely and ask if they have any set menus which can be a great option for those on a tight budget.
4. My Neighbours The Dumplings
Why go? Because we just can’t get enough of those little parcels of deliciousness. How much? ££
This one is well out of China Town but if you’re looking for something a bit different to the more traditional Chinese restaurants of that area, it’s well worth venturing to the trendy Lower Clapton Road in East London where you’ll find ‘My Neighbours The Dumplings.’
Its slightly shabby but glamourous interiors are well suited to the hipster clientele you’ll find sitting around its communal tables. But it’s not all smoke and mirrors here – the food lives up to the hype. Their delectable selection of dishes includes hand-crafted dumplings (of course), slow baked aubergine dressed with seeds and sesame paste and wonderfully aromatic steamed fillet of Sea Bass with coriander oil, ginger and soy.
Traditional Chinese it is not – you’ll find influences from all over Asia at MNTD – but if you’re looking for some genuinely delicious food in a trendy and buzzy place to celebrate Chinese New Year (or at any time really) this is for you.
No bookings taken, arrive early or expect to wait at busy times!
My Neighbours the Dumplings, 165 Lower Clapton Road, E5 8EQ
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5. Panda Dim Sum Cafe
Why go? For some of the finest handmade dim sum in East London, served in a laid-back, no-frills spot that keeps the focus firmly on the food. How much? £ – ££
The interiors? Casual and charming, with magnolia walls, Chinese lanterns, and a huge cherry blossom fan adding a dash of colour. The open kitchen at the back hums with energy, and watching the chefs craft your dumplings adds a festive vibe. This makes Panda Dim Sum Cafe an ideal spot for celebrating Chinese New Year.
Pro tip: Bring your own bottle (no corkage fee!) and toast to the new year with friends or family while enjoying some of the best dim sum around.
Panda Dim Sum Cafe, 767 High Rd Leytonstone, Bushwood, London E11 4QS
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6. Baozi Inn
Why go? For a delicious, modern and affordable take on Northern Chinese Street Food. How much? £ – ££
Since opening in 2018, Baozi Inn has made a real mark on the Soho food scene. This buzzy eatery specialises in baozi dumplings, Northern Chinese street food and a few Sichuanese and Shanghainese dishes thrown in for good measure. The menu is mainly made up of small plates which are designed to be shared – a great approach in our book as it gives you a chance to try more of the tasty morsels on offer!
If you’re looking for a real bargain then the Baozi Inn offers a great value set lunch for just £8.90 which includes a meat / vegetable main course, two cold dishes from the chef’s suggestions of the day and a bowl of their award-winning jiaozi dumplings in broth. Celebrate Chinese New Year in London at the Baoz Inn and you’ll leave feeling very well-fed and happy.
Baozi Inn, 24 Romilly St Soho W1D 5AH
7. YeYe London
Why go? For bold, authentic flavours and handmade noodles and dumplings that rival anything in Chinatown. How much? ££
In the heart of the City, YeYe is the noodle and dumpling spot you didn’t know you needed. With its signature spicy Sichuanese beef soup, a broth simmered with bone marrow for hours, and pan-fried pork dumplings that ooze juicy perfection, it’s no wonder there’s often a queue outside. These dumplings, inspired by Shanghai’s shengjianbao, are a rare treat in London.
YeYe doesn’t stop at soup and dumplings – their menu is packed with dishes bursting with authentic flavours, all served in a casual, buzzy setting. Whether you’re stopping by the Artillery Passage branch for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal at Wentworth Street (yes, they take reservations!), there’s an option for everyone.
Pro tip: It’s a fantastic spot to celebrate Chinese New Year. The lively vibe and comforting dishes make it easy to bring your friends or colleagues along for a feast.
Affordable, authentic, and absolutely delicious – YeYe is the kind of restaurant that’ll have you coming back again and again.
YeYe London, 14 Artillery Psge, London E1 7LJ
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